Stay-cold drinking can

ABSTRACT

A structure for enclosing a beverage can or bottle and ice for cooling the beverage made up of a flexible annulus, a tapering section connected to the flexible annulus and extending away from the flexible annulus, a stock connected to a wider end of the tapering section extending away from the tapering section, a connector section at the end of the stock furthest from the tapering section, an annular recess in the connector section, a circular base, an annular flange connected to the circular base, and an annular projection in the flange.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation in part to patent application Ser. No. 14/444,517, entitled Stackable Stay Cold Stein or Drinking Glass, filed Aug. 24, 2014, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates to canned or bottled beverages and, more particularly, to a disposable container for cooling canned or bottled beverages.

Canned beverages and bottles are portable and commonly consumed. Many prefer canned or bottled beverages to be cool or cold before consumption. However, these beverages are not always kept at a preferable temperature. Cooling may occur by refrigerator or by pouring the drink over ice. Refrigerators are not portable and most do not work without an attached energy source. Pouring the beverage over ice may melt at least some of the ice and may result in undesirable dilution of the beverage.

SUMMARY

An embodiment of the present invention comprises a structure for storing and cooling a beverage can or bottle, comprising a first end comprising a flexible annulus, a second end opposite the first end, a tapering section connected to the flexible annulus and extending away from the first end of the structure, a stock connected to a wider end of the tapering section extending therefrom to the second end of the structure, a connector section at the second end of the structure connected to the stock, wherein the connector section comprises at least one annular recess, a circular base, and an annular flange connected to the circular base.

Another embodiment of the present invention includes a method of assembling a portable drink cooler, comprising pushing the top of a beverage can or bottle into the flexible annulus from the second end of the structure, placing ice between the beverage can and the stock of the structure, placing the bottom on the structure such that the annular projection of the annular flange and the annular recess of the connector section interlock.

Another embodiment relates to a structure for storing and cooling a beverage can or bottle, comprising a first end of the structure comprising a flexible annulus, a second end of the structure opposite the first end, a stock connected to the flexible annulus and extending from the first end of the structure to the second end of the structure, a connector section at the second end of the structure connected to the stock, wherein the connector section comprises at least one annular recess, a circular base, and an annular flange connected to the circular base.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a cut-away view of a structure capable of receiving and cooling a canned beverage in accordance with the principles of the present invention. The structure may form an opening around the can sufficient to keep crushed ice against the can.

FIG. 2 a and FIG. 2 b illustrate exploded views of the structure of FIG. 1 from different angles wherein the outer contour of the structure, the canned beverage, and the bottom of the structure are shown.

FIG. 3 a and FIG. 3 b illustrate different views of the assembled structure of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 a and FIG. 4 b illustrate cut-away views of the structure of FIG. 3 with the bottom attached and detached, respectively.

FIG. 5 a and FIG. 5 b illustrate two possible engagements of the top of the canned beverage and the first end of the structure of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 illustrates a view of an alternate bottom to the bottom of FIG. 1 wherein the alternate bottom may also hold a can in place.

FIG. 7 illustrates the engagement of the bottom and the connector section of FIG. 1.

FIGS. 8 a, 8 b, 9 a, and 9 b provide additional views of the structure of FIG. 1.

FIGS. 10 a, 10 b, and 10 c show an enhanced view of a second end of the structure of FIG. 1, the bottom of FIG. 1, and the alternate bottom of FIG. 6, respectively.

FIGS. 11 a and 11 b illustrate an embodiment wherein a tapering section is sufficient without a flexible annulus to retain the can in accordance with the principles of the present invention. A grip is also shown on the stock of the structure.

FIGS. 12 a, 12 b, 12 c, and 12 d illustrate various views of the structure of FIGS. 11 a and 11 b.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

Traditionally, vessels for consuming liquids have been made of a variety of materials, including but not limited to glass, ceramic, plastic, Styrofoam, and metal. Ideally, a drinking container resists heat transfer, will not affect the taste or consistency of the beverage, and will not drip condensation which has accumulated on the outside of the container onto furniture or other surfaces. The above-listed materials, with the exception of Styrofoam, will, in most climates that are warmer than the liquid contents of the container, collect condensation on the exterior walls of the container. The condensation may then run down onto the surface upon which the container is sitting. A hollow chamber insulated from the warmer outer temperatures on both the sides and bottom by a Styrofoam lining will effectively combat the problem. If desired, the attached funnel and bottom lid can be easily manufactured with the Styrofoam lining inside the metal funnel and the bottom lid. This would then prevent the transfer of cold to the outside surfaces and would help to maintain the coldness of the liquid for longer periods of time while preventing condensation from collecting on the exterior.

Most of the beer and soda sold today is marketed in aluminum cans with a convenient pull-top tab for easy opening and access for drinking the liquid. Additionally, much of the soda and sports drinks sold are marketed in a plastic bottle. If the aluminum cans and plastic bottles were manufactured with a chilling chamber already built into the design and formed in this manner prior to the bottling process, all drinks would come to the consumer already designed for convenient chilling. Very little additional space would be needed during the shipping process, and the chilling medium, ice, could be introduced at the point of consumption. The ice would have to be scooped into the chamber and the bottom sealed before the tops are popped for drinking. The bottom lid could be temporarily affixed to the top of the can for ease of shipping and usage access.

Embodiments of the present invention relate to a funnel design that may be permanently affixed to canned or bottled beverages for the purpose of cooling or maintaining coldness of the contents of a can or bottle. Other embodiments allow the funnel design to be temporarily affixed to the can or bottle. The funnel attachment may be affixed to canned or bottled beverages at the point of manufacture for the purpose of maintaining coldness of the beverages. The funnel attachment is shown in the various figures. The funnel attachment may be stackable for shipping convenience to the point of manufacture. Alternatively, the funnel attachment may be shipped to and assembled at the point of consumption. A detailed description set forth below in connection with the drawings is intended as a description of various embodiments of the invention and is not intended to represent the only embodiment in which the invention may be practiced. The detailed description includes specific details for the purpose of providing a thorough understanding of the invention. However, it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that there may be overlapping specifics and that the invention may be practiced without these specific details.

Embodiments of the present invention relate to a drinking vessel that, with the introduction of water-ice or dry-ice into a specially designed chilling compartment, has the ability to maintain a cold temperature of the liquid in the consumption part of the vessel (e.g. a can or bottle) without diluting its potency. Presently, the can that houses the liquids is generally made of metal, most typically aluminum, but it may comprise other materials. Currently, can or bottle compositions are dictated by the industry, and because most aluminum cans and plastic bottles are made to be disposable, the invention can also be assumed to be made to be disposable.

FIG. 1 illustrates a cut-away view of a structure 100 capable of receiving and cooling a canned or bottled beverage. The structure 100 may form an opening around the beverage can 107 sufficient to keep crushed ice against the canned or bottled beverage for cooling without watering down the contents of the beverage. A first end 101 of the structure 100 may comprise a flexible annulus 102 connected with a tapering section 103 of similar diameter as the flexible annulus 102. The flexible annulus 102 may be constructed from a rigid material and may bend to accept a can lid as described below. The tapering section 103 may extend away from the first end 101 of the structure 100 and may increase in diameter as the tapering section 103 extends from the first end 101. A stock 104 may be connected with the end of the tapering section 103 furthest from the first end 101. The stock 104 may extend to a second end 105 of the structure 100. In some embodiments, the stock may comprise an insulator such as Styrofoam, rubber, or one or more polymers, or any other material sufficient to reduce heat transfer to the crushed ice and prevent water leakage from any melting ice.

One embodiment of the structure 100 may be adapted for use with a standard beverage can. The US standard can is 4.83 inches high, 2.13 inches in diameter at its lid 106, and 2.60 inches in diameter at the widest point of its body. An orthogonal distance 130 between the first end 101 and the second end 105 may therefore be about 4.83 inches. The term “about” may mean deviations of one inch. Slightly longer and slightly shorter embodiments of the structure in this range are possible and result in a structure that falls within the spirit of the invention. The beverage can 107 may also comprise a bottom dome 108 in the bottom of the can 107.

A bottom 114 for the structure 100 may comprises a circular base 112. The circular base 112 may alternatively be annular. An annular flange 109 may extend orthogonally from a circumference of the circular base 112. Furthermore, an annular projection 110 may extend inward from the annular flange 109. The annular flange 109 and annular projection 110 may be any shape sufficient to engage a connector section 113 of the structure 100. In embodiments with an annular circular base 112, an arcuate dome 111 may be formed over the hole of the annulus. The arcuate dome 111 may engage the bottom dome 108 of the standard beverage can. Furthermore, a circular Styrofoam pad (not illustrated) or an annular Styrofoam ring (not illustrated) may be included with the bottom 114. Finally, the connector section 113 may comprise an annular recess 115 that engages the annular projection 110 of the annular flange 109 of the bottom 114.

FIG. 2 a and FIG. 2 b illustrate different exploded views of the structure of FIG. 1 wherein an outer contour of the structure 100, the beverage can 107, and the bottom 114 are shown. Further detail of the lid 106 of the beverage can 107 is depicted. The can 107 may have a stay-tab opening mechanism 201. The flexible annulus 102, the tapering section 103, the stock 104, the annular recess 115 and the connector section 113 may comprise any material with sufficient strength to support the weight of the canned or bottled beverage. Furthermore, these elements may be connected by any means sturdy enough such that the combined structure 100 may support the weight of the canned or bottled beverage when the beverage can 107 is frictionally fit with the flexible annulus 102. Elements 102, 103, 104, 113, and 115 may also be integrally formed.

The annular flange 109, the circular base 112, and the annular projection 110 may individually be strong enough to support the weight of water, ice, and the canned beverage. Furthermore, these elements may be connected by any means sturdy enough to support water, ice, and the canned or bottled beverage and may prevent leaks between these elements. Elements 112, 109, and 110 may also be integrally formed. In embodiments wherein the annular flange 109 and the annular projection 110 are frictionally fit to the connector section 113 and the annular recess 115, each element of the assembly and the connections between the elements may support the weight of water, ice, and the canned or bottled beverage. For example, the frictional fit of the flexible annulus 102 and the can 107 may support the weight of ice and water when the can 107 is suspended. Finally, the material of each element in the assembly may resist water such that the material does not become soggy and collapse.

FIG. 3 a and FIG. 3 b illustrate different assembled views of the structure 100 and the bottom 114. In this embodiment, the flexible annulus 102 may be snugly engaged with the lid 106 or a side of the beverage can 107. This engagement can prevent water leakage from melted ice when the assembly is tilted, such as for drinking. Ice (not illustrated) may be contained within the structure 100 and against the can 107 for temperature regulating of the contained beverage without dilution thereof. The bottom 114 may be snugly engaged with the connector section 113 of the structure 100 by the flange 109 of the bottom 114. The resulting assembly can be tightly engaged to resist leaks of water, resulting from melted ice, from within the structure 100.

The structure 100 may comprise rubber, plastic, one or more polymers, or any other material suitable for retaining water and insulating. Many common beverage cans are made of aluminum, steel, or other thermally conductive metals. The material of the structure 100 may be an insulator so that outside heat leakage into the assembly is reduced, thereby allowing ice to more effectively regulate the temperature of the beverage. Furthermore, insulating material may allow an exterior of the structure 100 to remain a comfortable temperature to the touch. The material of the structure 100 may be water resistant to prevent soaking or leaking directly through the material of the structure 100. Finally, disposable materials may be used to construct the structure 100. For example, a wax-coated paper may provide for disposability and water retention. An insulator could then be attached to the outside of the structure 100.

FIG. 4 a and FIG. 4 b illustrate cut-away views of the assembled structure of FIGS. 3 a and 3 b. In this embodiment, the flexible annulus 102 may engage the lid 106 of the can 107. Furthermore, the tapering section 103 can engage the contour of a tapering top section of the beverage can 107. The arcuate dome 111 of the bottom 114 can engage and stabilize the bottom dome 108 of the beverage can 107. The multiple points of contact between the structure 100 and the beverage can 107 may stabilize the beverage can 107 so that manipulation of the structure 100 may cause manipulation of the beverage can 107 without hesitation, delay, wobbling, or the like.

FIG. 4 a further illustrates an engagement of the bottom 114 with the structure 100. The annular flange 109 may engage the outside of the connector section 113. For further stability, the annular projection 110 may be frictionally fit or interlock with the annular recess 115 of the connector section 113. The beverage can 107 may be supported by the arcuate dome 11l of the bottom 114. In other embodiments, the engagement between the annular flange 109 and the connector section 113 may be reversed. For example, the annular flange 109 may be inserted into the second end 105 of the structure 100. The annular flange 109 may then engage the inside of the connector section 113. The annular projection 110 and the annular recess 115 may interlock in this configuration as well. Finally, a lumen 401 may be formed by the space between the can 107 and the stock 104 of the structure 100. The lumen 401 may typically be filled with ice or other temperature regulating material.

FIG. 5 a illustrates a possible engagement between the top of the canned or bottled beverage and the first end of the structure of FIG. 1. The flexible annulus 102 may comprise rubber, plastic, one or more polymers, or other material suitable for stretching to conform to the lid 106 or the side of the beverage can 107. This frictional fit may prevent leaking through the engagement of the beverage can 107 and the flexible annulus 102 when the can 107 is tilted for drinking. In one embodiment, the flexible annulus 102 may be position under the lid 106 of the beverage can 107. In this embodiment, the lid 106 is wider than a section of the can 107 on which the flexible annulus 102 engages. Therefore, the flexible annulus 102 may be flexible to allow the wider lid 106 through the flexible annulus 102. However, other embodiments may comprise the flexible annulus 102 engaging the lid 106, above the lid 106, or even over the lid 106. The tapering section 103 may increase in diameter further from the first end 101 at a first rate further and the stock 104 may increase in diameter further from the first end 101 of the structure 100 at a second rate. However, the second rate may be slower than the first rate. This may allow the structure 100 to roughly follow the taper of the beverage can 107 from the lid 106 to the widest part of the body of the can 107. Alternatively, the rates may be the same or the first rate could be slower than the second rate.

FIG. 5 b illustrates another possible engagement between the top of the canned beverage and the first end of an alternate to the structure of FIG. 1. The flexible annulus 502 may be similar to the flexible annulus of 102. However, the flexible annulus 502 may be position such that the flexible annulus 502 engages the lid 106. This frictional fit may prevent leaking through the engagement of the beverage can 107 and the flexible annulus 502 when the can is tilted for drinking. The tapering section 503 and the stock 504 increase in diameter further from the first end 501 of the structure 500. However, the tapering section 503 may increase in diameter at a faster rate than that of the stock 504. This may allow the structure 500 to roughly follow the taper of the beverage can 107 from the lid 106 to the widest part of the body of the can 107.

FIG. 6 illustrates a view of an alternate structure of a bottom 601 for connecting to the structure 100 and holding the beverage can 107 in place. This embodiment may comprise a circular base 603, a flange 604, and an annular projection 605. These elements are similar to the circular base 112, the annular flange 109, and the annular projection 110, respectively. Furthermore, the bottom 601 may also comprise an annular ring 602. The annular ring 602 may have a diameter 606 of about 2.60 inches or any size sufficient to hold the can 107. The thickness of the annular ring 602 is any thickness sufficient for the corresponding material comprising the annular ring 602 to support the canned or bottled beverage. About is intended to allow variance within manufacturing tolerance for manufacturing an annular ring that may hold the standard beverage can or bottle in place.

FIG. 7 illustrates a view of the second end 105 of the structure 100 of FIG. 1. The stock 104, the connector section 113, the annular recess 115, the can 107, and the bottom dome 108 are shown.

FIGS. 8 a, 8 b, 9 a, and 9 b provide additional views of the structure. FIGS. 10 a, 10 b, and 10 c show an enhanced view of the second end of the structure 100, the bottom 114, and the alternative bottom 601. These additional views are provided for enhanced clarity to exhibit possible embodiments of the present invention.

Returning to FIG. 1, assembly of the structure 100, the can 107, and the bottom 114 may occur by pushing the lid 106 of the beverage can 107 from the second end 105 of the structure 100 through the flexible annulus 102 of the first end 101 of the structure 100. The beverage can 107/structure 100 combination may be positioned so that the second end 105 is open up to receive ice. Ice may be crushed. Ice or crushed ice may be placed in the structure 100 between the beverage can 107 and the stock 104 up to the level of the bottom of the can. The bottom 114 may be placed so that the arcuate dome 111 engages the bottom dome 108 of the can. Furthermore, the annular flange 109 may be pushed over the outside of the connector section 113 of the structure 100 until the annular projection 110 of the flange interlocks with the connector section 113. Alternatively, the annular flange 109 may be pushed into the structure 100 so that the annular flange 109 depends on the inside of the connector segment 113 until the annular projection 110 and the annular recess 115 interlock.

FIGS. 11 a and 11 b illustrate an embodiment wherein the tapering section 1103 is sufficient without the flexible annulus (not depicted) to retain the beverage can 107. In such an embodiment, the tapering section 1103 may comprise any material flexible enough to allow the lid 106 of the can to slide through while frictionally engaging the side or lid 106 of the can 107. The material used for the tapering section 1103 may also be strong enough to withstand the weight of a full beverage can 107 and ice or water within the structure 1100. A grip 1101 is also shown on the stock 1104 of the structure 1100. The grip 1101 may be attached to or integrally formed with the stock 1104. The grip 1101 may be comprised of Styrofoam, rubber, a polymer, or any other material suitable for insulating or having sufficient surface friction for holding when the structure contains the weight of the full beverage can 107 and ice or water. Finally, the assembly of the can 107 and the structure 1100 may form a lumen 1102 between the can 107 and the stock 1104.

FIGS. 12 a, 12 b, 12 c, and 12 d illustrate various views of the structure of FIGS. 11 a and 11 b. In this embodiment, the stock 1104 can be substantially cylindrical rather than substantially conical (as previously depicted). In one embodiment, the grip 1101 may be attached to the stock 1104. A connector section 1113 may also be formed on the structure 1100. Finally, FIG. 12 b shows an embodiment wherein the stock 1104 may be substantially cylindrical and the grip 1101 may comprise a protrusion integrally formed with the stock 1104.

The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of all means or step plus function elements in the claims below are intended to include any structure, material, or act for performing the function in combination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed. The description of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the invention in the form disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Aspects of the invention were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and the practical application, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the invention for various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An enclosure for a beverage can or bottle, comprising: a structure comprising: a first end comprising a flexible annulus; a second end opposite the first end; a tapering section connected to the flexible annulus and extending away from the first end towards the second end; a stock connected to a wider end of the tapering section extending therefrom to the second end; and the second end comprising a connector section connected to the stock, wherein the connector section comprises at least one annular recess.
 2. The enclosure of claim 1, comprising: a first bottom comprising: a circular base; and an annular flange connected to the circular base, the annular flange shaped to engage the connector section.
 3. The enclosure of claim 1, wherein a diameter of the tapering section increases at a first rate as the tapering section extends toward the second end of the structure.
 4. The enclosure of claim 3, wherein wherein a diameter of the stock increases at a second rate as the stock extends toward the second end of the structure.
 5. The enclosure of claim 4, wherein the second rate is less than the first rate.
 6. The enclosure of claim 2, wherein the annular flange extends orthogonally away from the circular base.
 7. The enclosure of claim 2, wherein a diameter of the annular flange is sized for the annular flange to frictionally fit an outside of the connector section.
 8. The enclosure of claim 2, wherein a diameter of the annular flange is sized for the annular flange to frictionally fit an inside of the connector section.
 9. The enclosure of claim 2, wherein the annular flange comprises at least one annular projection shaped to engage the at least one annular recess.
 10. The enclosure of claim 2, wherein the circular base comprises an annular ring projecting orthogonally from the circular base.
 11. The enclosure of claim 2, wherein the circular base comprises an arcuate dome.
 12. The enclosure of claim 2, wherein the first bottom comprises an annular ring extending orthogonally from the first bottom, wherein the annular ring is configured to conform to a second bottom of the beverage can or bottle.
 13. The enclosure of claim 2, wherein the circular base comprises Styrofoam.
 14. A method of assembling a portable drink cooler, comprising: pushing a top of a beverage can or bottle into a flexible annulus from a second end of a structure, the structure comprising: a first end comprising a flexible annulus; a second end opposite the first end; a tapering section connected to the flexible annulus and extending away from the first end towards the second end; a stock connected to a wider end of the tapering section extending therefrom to the second end; and the second end comprising a connector section connected to the stock, wherein the connector section comprises at least one annular recess; placing ice between the beverage can or bottle and the stock of the structure; and placing a first bottom on the structure, the first bottom comprising: a circular base; and an annular flange connected to the circular base, wherein at least one annular projection of the annular flange and the at least one annular recess of the connector section interlock.
 15. The method of claim 14, further comprising securing a second bottom of the beverage can or bottle within an annular ring extending orthogonally from the first bottom.
 16. The method of claim 14, further comprising securing a second bottom of the beverage can by engaging an arcuate dome of the first bottom against the second bottom of the beverage can.
 17. A method of assembling a portable drink cooler, comprising: forming a beverage can or bottle with a top, a second bottom, and a lid at the top; attaching an annulus proximate to the lid of the beverage can or bottle; forming a tapering section connected with the annulus, wherein the tapering section extends toward the second bottom of the beverage can or bottle and follows the contour of the beverage can or bottle; forming a stock connected with the tapering section, wherein the stock extends toward the second bottom of the beverage can or bottle and a diameter of the stock is wider than a diameter of the beverage can or bottle; forming a first bottom with a circular base and an annular flange connected to the circular base, the annular flange shaped to engage the connector section; and placing the first bottom on the top of the beverage can or bottle.
 18. The method of claim 17, wherein the first bottom further comprises an annular ring connected with the circular base, wherein the annular ring is shaped to engage the second bottom of the beverage can or bottle.
 19. The method of claim 17, wherein the annular flange comprises at least one annular projection shaped to engage at least one annular recess of the connector section of the second end of the structure.
 20. The enclosure of claim 1, wherein a first one of the structure is nested within a second one of the structure. 